2025 NBA Draft Discussion Part 8

[raptor jesus]

Stein

One thing teams seem to agree on: Duke center Khaman Maluach is largely viewed as the leading center prospect in this class. And Toronto, sources say, is among the clubs that highly value the 7-foot-2 big man who played for South Sudan's national team in the 2024 Summer Olympics.


The Raptors, though, have left various rival teams with the impression that they covet multiple centers at the No. 9 slot … meaning they might have another big man in mind should Maluach come off the board by the time Toronto is on the clock.

Wonder if this is smoke

But interesting nonetheless

Wonder if they would reach for Sorber

And who knows on Queen

Hard to imagine Masai likes Queen. Poor athletic profile, poor perimeter shooter, no interior defense, specialty is slashing + bully ball.

Sorber seems a little slow footed, would be a mistake to draft him over BPA.

Yang has the most upside and actually has a good athletic profile despite in-game struggles (stamina + turning hips + secondary jump seem to be the biggest issue), but also doesn’t seem like a Masai pick and would be a pretty big risk. However, Yang fits the Darko profile and could have the floor of an Olynyk big off the bench.

I would disagree with this. When the Raps drafted Dewan Hernandez, Masai said it was worth a shot because Hernandez was skilled, and skilled big men were so hard to come by. Queen is obviously a much more skilled prospect, and his measurements are very similar to Hernandez. I think he's very much in play. As much as people think Masai covets measurements from his bigs, I think he covets skill just as much, if not more e.g Gasol, Poeltl, Olynyk.

[grant101]

I honestly think Yang isn't as crazy of a reach as some think...he's shown he can compete against NBA level competition ie/ Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Mills, Ingles, Exum, Landale etc as a 18 year old.

Watch on YouTube

Had no problems keeping up with them on the defensive end and in fact was blocking multiple shots, rotating on defence and of course was able to pick them apart offensively. He would be fantastic as a hub for guys like BI...and KD.

Lots of good centres this draft but they likely all gone by 39
Would be nice to move back if they really like Yang

Big part of the reason why I liked an iteration of the RJ trade (where we also pick up a late frp).

In any case, while acknowledging that KM prob has more trade value, I think Yang might be a gem staring us right in the face. He dominated Sarr in the U18s, carried a horrible Chinese team and showed flashes at last year’s summer league, looked great at the combine, and played well against Australia’s A-team. The skill, footwork and feel at his size is unusual. Perfect fit for the way Darko likes to play as well.

[WuTang_OG]

Stein




Wonder if this is smoke

But interesting nonetheless

Wonder if they would reach for Sorber

And who knows on Queen

Hard to imagine Masai likes Queen. Poor athletic profile, poor perimeter shooter, no interior defense, specialty is slashing + bully ball.

Sorber seems a little slow footed, would be a mistake to draft him over BPA.

Yang has the most upside and actually has a good athletic profile despite in-game struggles (stamina + turning hips + secondary jump seem to be the biggest issue), but also doesn’t seem like a Masai pick and would be a pretty big risk. However, Yang fits the Darko profile and could have the floor of an Olynyk big off the bench.

I would disagree with this. When the Raps drafted Dewan Hernandez, Masai said it was worth a shot because Hernandez was skilled, and skilled big men were so hard to come by. Queen is obviously a much more skilled prospect, and his measurements are very similar to Hernandez. I think he's very much in play. As much as people think Masai covets measurements from his bigs, I think he covets skill just as much, if not more e.g Gasol, Poeltl, Olynyk.

He’s also not afraid of drafting guys that fit his coaches system.

[Clutch0z24]

I know that some of the real gm board would not be too happy with either Maluach/Queen but i think they both are pretty high on our list if not 1 & 2.....At 9 you prolly get one of them regardless and if not that means one of Fears/Kon/Tre fell to you which would be fine for me.

[Mark_83]

Some of these moves are so elite. It’s weird to say but I just believe he’s a future anomaly. He’s going to be one of those guys people claim no one knew would be as good as he becomes.

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=iDergfyDJveIq9pY2qCCBQ

I don't really see elite moves in that highlight pack. Which actually it more impressive if that ,makes sense. The scouting report on him is he has a weak handle and shot creation. That he won't go all the way to the rim, so he's going to shoot 100% of the time if he's not passing it. The defender knows what he's going to do, plays him tight and denies him any space to shoot, and yet he's able to make off balance three pointers with a hand in his face in a way that elite players need to be able to do. Imagine how good he'll be when he tightens his handle to the point that defenders can't play him as close without risking a blow by.

[PushDaRock]

Stein




Wonder if this is smoke

But interesting nonetheless

Wonder if they would reach for Sorber

And who knows on Queen

Hard to imagine Masai likes Queen. Poor athletic profile, poor perimeter shooter, no interior defense, specialty is slashing + bully ball.

Sorber seems a little slow footed, would be a mistake to draft him over BPA.

Yang has the most upside and actually has a good athletic profile despite in-game struggles (stamina + turning hips + secondary jump seem to be the biggest issue), but also doesn’t seem like a Masai pick and would be a pretty big risk. However, Yang fits the Darko profile and could have the floor of an Olynyk big off the bench.

I would disagree with this. When the Raps drafted Dewan Hernandez, Masai said it was worth a shot because Hernandez was skilled, and skilled big men were so hard to come by. Queen is obviously a much more skilled prospect, and his measurements are very similar to Hernandez. I think he's very much in play. As much as people think Masai covets measurements from his bigs, I think he covets skill just as much, if not more e.g Gasol, Poeltl, Olynyk.

lol he picked Hernandez with pick 59 not the 9th overall pick

[Psubs]

Some of these moves are so elite. It’s weird to say but I just believe he’s a future anomaly. He’s going to be one of those guys people claim no one knew would be as good as he becomes.

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=iDergfyDJveIq9pY2qCCBQ

I don't really see elite moves in that highlight pack. Which actually it more impressive if that ,makes sense. The scouting report on him is he has a weak handle and shot creation. That he won't go all the way to the rim, so he's going to shoot 100% of the time if he's not passing it. The defender knows what he's going to do, plays him tight and denies him any space to shoot, and yet he's able to make off balance three pointers with a hand in his face in a way that elite players need to be able to do. Imagine how good he'll be when he tightens his handle to the point that defenders can't play him as close without risking a blow by.

It's like Paul Pierce having to pull up for foul line jumpers and turn around shots in the lane because he wasn't that great at getting to the rim and finishing.

What if his ceiling is Paul Pierce with 40 inch hops?

[Psubs]

I honestly think Yang isn't as crazy of a reach as some think...he's shown he can compete against NBA level competition ie/ Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Mills, Ingles, Exum, Landale etc as a 18 year old.

Watch on YouTube

Had no problems keeping up with them on the defensive end and in fact was blocking multiple shots, rotating on defence and of course was able to pick them apart offensively. He would be fantastic as a hub for guys like BI...and KD.

Lots of good centres this draft but they likely all gone by 39
Would be nice to move back if they really like Yang

Big part of the reason why I liked an iteration of the RJ trade (where we also pick up a late frp).

In any case, while acknowledging that KM prob has more trade value, I think Yang might be a gem staring us right in the face. He dominated Sarr in the U18s, carried a horrible Chinese team and showed flashes at last year’s summer league, looked great at the combine, and played well against Australia’s A-team. The skill, footwork and feel at his size is unusual. Perfect fit for the way Darko likes to play as well.

Is Yang a young Poeltl with more passing flare and better shooting?

[Mark_83]

If Masai and staff scouted Fears, I hope they noticed Jalon Moore for a potential UDFA deal.

Watch on YouTube

;pp=ygULamFsb24gbW9vcmU%3D

[DG88]

This screams Queen IMO or maybe it’s dropping down for Sorber or Wolf ?

Yeah IMO this absolutely screams Derik Queen.

Dark horse is CMB to me. His physical measurements are most similar to Draymond, a C in small ball lineups.

Derik Queen, Jase Richardson and Jakucionis worked out for Raptors this week.

Source?

[Psubs]

If Masai and staff scouted Fears, I hope they noticed Jalon Moore for a potential UDFA deal.

Watch on YouTube

;pp=ygULamFsb24gbW9vcmU%3D

If they plan to trade Barrett and other SG/SF's in a consolidating trade, then I'm okay with using #39 on him.

[grant101]

Lots of good centres this draft but they likely all gone by 39
Would be nice to move back if they really like Yang

Big part of the reason why I liked an iteration of the RJ trade (where we also pick up a late frp).

In any case, while acknowledging that KM prob has more trade value, I think Yang might be a gem staring us right in the face. He dominated Sarr in the U18s, carried a horrible Chinese team and showed flashes at last year’s summer league, looked great at the combine, and played well against Australia’s A-team. The skill, footwork and feel at his size is unusual. Perfect fit for the way Darko likes to play as well.

Is Yang a young Poeltl with more passing flare and better shooting?

More like a young Marc Gasol with better post work but more iffy defence. Poeltl was a little more of a natural athlete and a better defender from what I remember

[Yallbecrazy]

Some of these moves are so elite. It’s weird to say but I just believe he’s a future anomaly. He’s going to be one of those guys people claim no one knew would be as good as he becomes.

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=iDergfyDJveIq9pY2qCCBQ

I don't really see elite moves in that highlight pack. Which actually it more impressive if that ,makes sense. The scouting report on him is he has a weak handle and shot creation. That he won't go all the way to the rim, so he's going to shoot 100% of the time if he's not passing it. The defender knows what he's going to do, plays him tight and denies him any space to shoot, and yet he's able to make off balance three pointers with a hand in his face in a way that elite players need to be able to do. Imagine how good he'll be when he tightens his handle to the point that defenders can't play him as close without risking a blow by.

It's like Paul Pierce having to pull up for foul line jumpers and turn around shots in the lane because he wasn't that great at getting to the rim and finishing.

What if his ceiling is Paul Pierce with 40 inch hops?

What if his ceiling is a more athletic 6'6 Steph Curry?

Wtf are we talking about here? I like him more than most of the guys we might pick at #9, but 10 highlights of pull up jumpers doesn't mean he is some self creator. He's mostly a standstill shooter in the half court along with transition buckets and great defensive potential (a lot of fouls though). His self creation numbers were kind of brutal and why he had so little usage and also not a ton of minutes.

[Psubs]

I don't really see elite moves in that highlight pack. Which actually it more impressive if that ,makes sense. The scouting report on him is he has a weak handle and shot creation. That he won't go all the way to the rim, so he's going to shoot 100% of the time if he's not passing it. The defender knows what he's going to do, plays him tight and denies him any space to shoot, and yet he's able to make off balance three pointers with a hand in his face in a way that elite players need to be able to do. Imagine how good he'll be when he tightens his handle to the point that defenders can't play him as close without risking a blow by.

It's like Paul Pierce having to pull up for foul line jumpers and turn around shots in the lane because he wasn't that great at getting to the rim and finishing.

What if his ceiling is Paul Pierce with 40 inch hops?

What if his ceiling is a more athletic 6'6 Steph Curry?

Wtf are we talking about here? I like him more than most of the guys we might pick at #9, but 10 highlights of pull up jumpers doesn't mean he is some self creator. He's mostly a standstill shooter in the half court along with transition buckets and great defensive potential (a lot of fouls though). His self creation numbers were kind of brutal and why he had so little usage and also not a ton of minutes.

Tre Johnson is the 6'6 Steph Curry.

[MainEvent]

you loving making player comps but they are always so bad dude

[Dalek]

I would love the Raptors to be daring and draft Danny Wolf at 9. He has so much ball skill at his size and more potential than Queen because he can shoot and is bigger. I just wonder if Toronto is that willing to be weird.

[S.W.A.N]

I would love the Raptors to be daring and draft Danny Wolf at 9. He has so much ball skill at his size and more potential than Queen because he can shoot and is bigger. I just wonder if Toronto is that willing to be weird.

I'd get behind that if we did the Nets trade down.

[RoteSchroder]

Some of these moves are so elite. It’s weird to say but I just believe he’s a future anomaly. He’s going to be one of those guys people claim no one knew would be as good as he becomes.

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=iDergfyDJveIq9pY2qCCBQ

I don't really see elite moves in that highlight pack. Which actually it more impressive if that ,makes sense. The scouting report on him is he has a weak handle and shot creation. That he won't go all the way to the rim, so he's going to shoot 100% of the time if he's not passing it. The defender knows what he's going to do, plays him tight and denies him any space to shoot, and yet he's able to make off balance three pointers with a hand in his face in a way that elite players need to be able to do. Imagine how good he'll be when he tightens his handle to the point that defenders can't play him as close without risking a blow by.

I don’t think it’s that defenders play him tight, he doesn’t have the speed/explosiveness to go North/South and isn’t great at attacking angles. In the last highlight he takes 5 steps to get from the 3 point line to the FT line.

Reminds me of Scottie’s problem, but CB seems lighter on his feet.

[Jtoneller1]

Bryant reminds me of Anthony Parker on offense

Sent from my Pixel 6 using RealGM mobile app

[ATLTimekeeper]

Stein

One thing teams seem to agree on: Duke center Khaman Maluach is largely viewed as the leading center prospect in this class. And Toronto, sources say, is among the clubs that highly value the 7-foot-2 big man who played for South Sudan's national team in the 2024 Summer Olympics.


The Raptors, though, have left various rival teams with the impression that they covet multiple centers at the No. 9 slot … meaning they might have another big man in mind should Maluach come off the board by the time Toronto is on the clock.

Wonder if this is smoke

But interesting nonetheless

Wonder if they would reach for Sorber

And who knows on Queen

Hard to imagine Masai likes Queen. Poor athletic profile, poor perimeter shooter, no interior defense, specialty is slashing + bully ball.

Sorber seems a little slow footed, would be a mistake to draft him over BPA.

Yang has the most upside and actually has a good athletic profile despite in-game struggles (stamina + turning hips + secondary jump seem to be the biggest issue), but also doesn’t seem like a Masai pick and would be a pretty big risk. However, Yang fits the Darko profile and could have the floor of an Olynyk big off the bench.

Hard to imagine the Raptors are letting rival teams know who they want to draft.